Mid-Atlantic Pilots Association
RSVPs are expected. Walk-ins welcomed! Bring a friend!
- Social – 6:00pm
- Dinner – 7:00pm
- Guest Program – 8:00pm
$25 per person will be collected at the door and includes buffet dinner.
Formed in 1957, this year marks the 54th anniversary of the Mid-Atlantic Pilots Association, a non-profit flying organization dedicated to air safety, aviation education and flying camaraderie. All levels of pilots, student pilots and aviation enthusiasts are invited to join.
Thanks to the efforts of MAPA member Susan Loricchio and Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome Airshow Director Neill Herman, we are featuring Aerodrome Docent Chis Ford, a nine year veteran at Old Rhinebeck but one who has been a regular at Old Rhinebeck for 22 of his 24 years!
Chris will give us an overview of Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome and their airshows and discuss details about some of the unique aircraft in the Aerodrome’s collection such as their1909 Bleriot monoplane, the oldest flying airplane in the U.S. He will also feature some of this year’s centennials, as there are quite a few for 2011. It is the centennial of naval aviation, and the very first airplane the navy purchased was a Curtiss Model D much like the replica in the Aerodrome collection.
It is also the centennial of the first transcontinental flight, made by Cal Rodgers in a Wright EX. (There is a Wright EX on static display at the Aerodrome in their pioneer hangar.)
On Sept. 23rd, it will also be the centennial of the first airmail flight. That flight was accomplished in a 1911 Bleriot monoplane equipped with a rotary engine. (There is also an original 1911 Bleriot on static display in their main museum building.). We’ll get to see some airshow footage and maybe try a WW1 Flight simulator.
About himself, Chris says:
“I’ve been working at the Aerodrome since I was sixteen. I was hooked long before then though, my parents started taking me to the Aerodrome when I was two. Little did they know the monster they’d created! We ended up going at least twice a year until I started volunteering nine years ago.
“When I showed up at the Aerodrome to work I had leather gloves with me, I thought they’d have me digging a ditch somewhere. I didn’t think they’d let me anywhere near the aeroplanes. So I was astounded when I was told I’d be able to help get the planes ready for the airshow. I was further amazed when I was told I could start learning how to wing run the following week. (The old planes don’t handle well on the ground and runners help maintain directional control while taxiing.)
“Looking back, being part of such a wonderful place probably kept me out of trouble as a teen. These days in addition to being a member of the airshow ground crew I also serve as an official docent to the museum. I provide guided tours and presentations about the Aerodrome and antique aviation, which is what brings me to the Mid-Atlantic Pilots Association dinner. As for flying antique aircraft, I have had the privilege of flying several from the co-pilots seat. I must confess I’m still working on my private certificate as time and money allow. These days I train in a 1946 Aeronca Champ. (I figure I should get used to dragging my tail now since I want to fly at the Aerodrome!)”
Meetings are held on the second Thursday of every month. Members and non-members are welcomed to attend. Visit www.MidAtlanticPilots.org
Teaneck, NJ 07666 – USA
Thursday, September 8 at 6:00 PM
Attending: 2
Details: http://www.meetup.com/Mid-Atlantic-Pilots-Association/events/31936502/